Blog:
Understanding the difference between AIM CDE and CAFM

Building owners and estate managers seeking to maximise their investment should understand the tools that can help them manage their assets effectively. Two systems often encountered in this space are AIM CDE (Asset Information Management Common Data Environment) and CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management). While these tools serve different purposes, they can both be integral to efficient asset management. So, which do you need, or do you need both? Read on to find out.

What is an AIM CDE?

AIM CDE (Asset Information Management Common Data Environment) is an online collaboration platform used to store and manage all asset-related information throughout the life of a building. This includes everything from design and construction documents to maintenance records and operational data. The AIM CDE acts as a master system of record, ensuring that all stakeholders – from architects and engineers to facilities managers – have access to the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Key features of an AIM CDE

• All asset-related data is stored consistently in a single location, which can be accessed by authorised users at any time.
• Provides whole life information from the initial design through construction and operations to eventual decommissioning.
• Facilitates collaboration between stakeholders by providing a shared environment for data exchange.
• Ensures that all data is complete, up-to-date and reliable reducing the risk of errors and misinformation – and increasing compliance and resilience.
• Supports strategic asset management decisions to help deliver business outcomes.

Why AIM CDE matters

For building owners and estate managers, an AIM CDE is crucial because it allows for seamless access to the correct version of all asset-related information. This level of transparency and accessibility ensures that building performance can be optimised throughout its lifecycle, and supports better, faster decision making to improve the management of assets and reduce costs.

What is a CAFM?

CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management) refers to software systems that support the day-to-day management of buildings. Unlike an AIM CDE, which focuses on the entire lifecycle of a building’s assets, CAFM is more concerned with ongoing management once the building is operational.

Key features of CAFM software

• Keeps an inventory of all physical assets, such building fabric, plant and equipment, and furniture, allowing for easy tracking and management.
• Manages both reactive and preventive maintenance, ensuring that systems and equipment are kept in optimal working condition to minimise downtime and disruption.
• Ensures critical safety inspections and repairs are managed effectively.
• Creates, assigns and tracks work orders, ensuring that maintenance tasks are completed on time.
• Assists in the management of resources such as tradesmen and specialist suppliers helping to reduce waste and lower costs.

Why CAFM matters

CAFM systems are valuable for facilities managers as they provide the tools needed to efficiently run a building day-to-day. By automating many of the routine tasks associated with facilities management, a CAFM system helps ensure that operations are streamlined, resources are utilised effectively, and the overall cost of building operation is minimised.

The difference between AIM CDE and CAFM

While both AIM CDE and CAFM are essential tools for building management, they serve different purposes.

• Scope of use

AIM CDE is used through the whole life of a building, from design and construction to operation and decommissioning. A CAFM is focused on the operational phase, dealing with day-to-day management tasks once the building is in use.

• Type of data managed

AIM CDE manages a wide range of data, including design documents, construction records, maintenance logs, plans and more. It provides a holistic view of all asset-related information. CAFM focuses on operational data, such as asset inventories and maintenance schedules.

• Users

AIM CDE is typically used by a wide range of stakeholders including architects, designers, engineers, cost managers, contractors and facilities managers. CAFM is primarily used by facility managers and maintenance teams.

• Purpose

AIM CDE is designed to ensure that all asset-related information is accurate, up-to-date and accessible throughout the building’s lifecycle. CAFM is intended to optimise the day-to-day operations of a building, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Do you need both?

As an asset owner, you might assume that all your asset information is managed within CAFM systems. Or at least that’s what you’re told. But what about all the additional asset information that is stored on hard drives, CDs, physical documents and cloud-based file storage? And if you rely on an FM provider to manage your buildings, what happens to the CAFM data when you switch providers or if a supplier goes into administration?

This is where having an AIM CDE becomes invaluable. It serves as a dynamic, online record for all asset information, ensuring consistency and accessibility for stakeholders as changes are made throughout the life of your assets. This includes any refurbishments, transitions between FM providers and major capital projects. As the asset owner, you can securely share specific information from the AIM CDE with stakeholders, including new FM providers or tenants. By keeping the AIM CDE up to date, you can significantly reduce the time needed for a new FM provider to get acquainted with buildings and reduce the need for costly surveys. The consistent, structured data held in an AIM CDE can also be the basis of insights helping you to make strategic decisions about the management of your estate.

While an AIM CDE offers a comprehensive platform for managing and exploiting all asset-related information throughout the entire building lifecycle, a CAFM system focuses on the efficient management of day-to-day operations. Together, these tools provide a robust solution for managing a building from conception to decommissioning, ensuring that every stage of the process is optimised for success.

Is it worth having an AIM CDE?

Investing in an AIM CDE is essential for building owners to ensure that they have a single source of record for their built assets. High quality, whole life information not only provides the assurance necessary for safety compliance, but it also provides insights to inform investment decisions. Investing in the right assets at the right time manages asset condition, improves building performance, and reduces carbon emissions and operational costs, which ultimately underpins asset value.

Get in touch

To find out more about Glider’s AIM CDE platform, gliderbim®, and to discover how it can benefit your organisation, get in touch.